Some residents of the historic foothills town of Sutter Creek are divided over a local initiative on next Tuesday’s election ballot.

The referendum, called "Measure N" concerns the proposed gold rush ranch and golf resort near Sutter Creek. In addition to the golf course the project includes 1,300 single family homes and three hundred condos.

After the city council signed off on the development opponents gathered enough signatures to have the fate of the resort decided by a referendum.

Bart Weatherly, who spearheads the opposition, says at 945 acres, the project is too big and would significantly affect the quality of life.

“One of the things we're worried about is the loss of our quaintness, the loss of our social fabric and the fact that we love being a small town.”

Developer Bill Bunce maintains the resort won't alter the character of the town. And he points out the public has had plenty of input.

“It's been a long collaboration with the city. We've had dozens of workshops and dozens more public hearings.”